Creek Boys' Soccer Team Chasing Glory Days

COMMUNITY SPORTS

February 11, 1998|By JORDAN RODACK Special to the Sun-Sentinel

Bolstered by the county's leading scorer and a stingy defense that has held the opposition scoreless in more than half its games, the Coconut Creek High School boys' soccer team is looking to resurrect its glory years.

The Cougars last won district in 1992, and last won a state title 17 years ago. But just a year after going 9-9-2, Creek is 15-1-1 (through Sunday) and sits atop District 10-6A.

Second-year head coach Concepcion Ledezma and assistant coach Marc Agenor have turned the team into a state contender.

``I'm really surprised at how well we're doing,'' Ledezma said. ``I thought we would blend much later in the season. We're having a run much like the [Florida) Panthers did a few years back because we've been overlooked. And I still think we are.''

The Cougars have already surpassed last year's team in every scoring category. In 20 games last season, the team managed 42 goals _ compared to 74 goals in 16 games this season.

``The offense knows how to create its opportunities this year and knows how to move without the ball,'' Ledezma said. ``I feel very confident in them.''

The team's biggest scoring threat comes from co-captain Carlos Cadena, who leads the county with a total 74 points. Cadena, a junior midfielder, has already produced 27 goals and 20 assists.

``Carlos is the Larry Bird of soccer,'' Ledezma said. ``He sees everything, knows where everything is, and knows where to pass. He's just a great player.''

The team also boasts of having four other players ranked among the top scorers in the county. Forward Steve Bissoon has 34 points. Forward Steve Simmons has 24 points, followed by midfielder Arric Alicea with 20 and Shane Greenwood with 19.

``The team really rallies together, from our starters down to our bench players,'' Ledezma said. ``They play as a family.''

And the play is just as strong on the defensive side, blanking the opposition in 10 games and limiting opponents to just 13 goals this season.

Defenders Frank Stone and Jason Hurley, whose speed and aggressive play often frustrate opponents, are backed by senior goalkeeper Miguel Romay. Romay leads the county with 8 1/2 shutouts and is sixth with a .81 goals against average.

``Romay was inconsistent last year,'' Ledezma said. ``Now he's playing like a driven player. Nothing gets by him.''

The Cougars started the season 10-0-1 with a tie against Douglas. The team lost 5-2 to Piper, but won the next four games, including a 4-1 victory over Douglas. ``I'd give an arm and a leg to win the district title,'' Romay said. ``And I'd give the world to win the state title. We're winning right now because we have the best defense in the state and one of the best offenses. But we can still improve.''

And Cadena said: ``We're out for respect. We would love to win it all for our seniors. It's the most important thing for them right now. That's what they want. We want to try to get it for them.''

The 23 players on the team make up a United Nations, with 10 countries represented. ``To them, soccer is a universal language,'' Ledezma said.

The players and coaches are hopeful the team's winning ways will continue beyond this season.

``I'm encouraged by the underclassmen we have now,'' Ledezma said. ``I think this success will continue for the next few years.''